STEM growth

VILLAGE OF LIVERPOOL – More than 180 library patrons attended the interactive Micron/STEM event on Wednesday, March 15 at Liverpool Public Library.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“The companies and organizations that are changing the way we live are STEM-related,” educators Rihab Sawah and Anthony Clark wrote in “The Everything STEM Handbook.”
“In the very near future it will be difficult, if not impossible, for an individual to get through life without some knowledge of science, technology and mathematics,” they wrote.
Last week at the library, as folks wandered from station to station throughout the Tulip Street building, they met with staff and students working on various science projects. In the Studio room, teens played with Nintendo Labo Toys and operated shoe-sized remote-controlled vehicles. In the Teen area, librarian Deanna McGregor oversaw the engineering design project including invention kits called Makey Makeys and 3D printing. In the Children’s Room, students made buttons and played Osmos, a video puzzle game.
Later in the Carman Community Room, two representatives of Micron Technology, Inc., presented a brief description of the manufacturing process for microchips. Micron is the world’s leading computer chip company which plans to build a mega chip campus at White Pine Commerce Park in the town of Clay. It would be the largest semiconductor plant announced in United States history.
The $100 billion investment to transform rural land into a high-tech tract will take place over two decades.
“We really wanted to showcase our students, to celebrate their imaginations,” said Library Director Susan Reckhow. “And they were very pleased to show off their work to the Micron people.”
The library hosts a weekly Teen Night & Tween Scene at 6 p.m. every Wednesday. On Saturday, April 1, the library will present its Science and Engineering Fair at 1:30 p.m. The third annual fair is a non-competitive event open to all students from kindergarten to twelfth grade.
In a presentation in the Carman Room, Micron representatives Amy Henecke and Landon Loeber demonstrated how microchips are formed from a silicone “wafer.” They also allowed audience members to view videotapes showing how the plants operate and to try on a “bunny suit,” the protective garb common to all fabrication process workers.
“We will continue to be a partner in the community,” Henecke promised.
Loeber concurred. “We’re super-excited to be here,” he said.
The March 15 STEM event was attended by members of the library board of directors including President Ashley Gouger along with several special guests such as Anthony Pope, an aide to 128th District Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter.